The Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has widened its investigation into alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed sleeper-cell operative Babita Dhakad, alias Khadija, after recovering two SIM cards and uncovering a Facebook account named Duniya Dhokhebaaz (The World is Deceitful) from her mobile phone. The account reportedly featured weapon-related images and had nearly 370 friends, a significant number of them based in Pakistan and other foreign countries, raising concerns about possible cross-border terror links.

Key Developments in the Probe

Babita Dhakad, 37, was arrested by the Rajasthan ATS on Monday following intelligence inputs shared by Military Intelligence. Investigators allege she was in contact with Pakistan-based handlers and individuals linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed. According to officials, one of the connected profiles on her network displayed the flag of the banned terror outfit, and evidence of chats and calls with Pakistani and Afghan numbers via WhatsApp and other encrypted platforms has also been recovered.

Investigators further claim that during interrogation, Babita revealed she was allegedly radicalised through anti-India content shared by Pakistani handlers. Officials allege she was taught the Kalma online by a cleric and subsequently adopted the name Khadija.

High-Profile Terror Links Surface

The probe has unearthed contacts allegedly linked to Jaish commander Qari Zarar, whose name surfaced in connection with the 2016 Nagrota Army camp attack. Links to associates of Yusuf Azhar, alias Gori — a relative of Jaish founder Masood Azhar and an accused in the 1999 IC-814 hijacking case — have also reportedly emerged during the investigation.

Father Publicly Disowns Accused

Babita's father publicly distanced himself from his daughter, saying anyone working against the country deserves no place in society. 'For me, the nation comes first. I never imagined my daughter could be involved in anti-national activities. I don't need such a daughter. Those who work against the country do not deserve a place even in hell,' he told reporters, though he declined to appear on camera.

He said the family had no indication of suspicious activity despite Babita living with them in Jaipur's Vatika area for several years after separating from her husband. Originally from Gangapur City, the family had relocated to Jaipur after his retirement from the Khadi Department. Babita had been residing with her parents while divorce proceedings with her husband in Hindaun City were ongoing. 'All of us lived under the same roof. We never suspected that she could be involved in anything like this,' he said.

Digital Footprint Under Scrutiny

The ATS is now examining Babita's full digital footprint, including her activity on the Duniya Dhokhebaaz Facebook account and her communications across encrypted messaging platforms. Investigators are working to determine the extent of her alleged involvement, the nature of her foreign contacts, and whether she played any operational role beyond online communication.

The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests or disclosures are possible as agencies trace the full scope of the alleged sleeper-cell network.